SHELLY MAKI
Director of Marketing
My job is to make the phone ring. I accomplish this mostly through advertising - direct mail, email, the web site, print ads, and radio & television commercials. In addition to making sure prospective students hear about us, helping to shape the school's image with prospective employers and alumni is also an important aspect of my job.
Everything with the Specs logo on it, including the logo itself, is a reflection of the school. Even the décor when someone walks through the door has an impact so I try to add some flair to everything we do. I especially enjoy providing the students and staff with cool threads (Specs Gear).
Education: I have a B.S. degree in broadcasting from Northern Michigan University with a minor in English. I also completed a college internship at WLUC-TV in Marquette and at WCRZ-FM in Flint (Burton).
Past experience: Before Specs there was Metro Times, and it's not a place that has gone away quietly. I encounter people I knew way back when on a daily basis and I'm not even in the newspaper business anymore! I mean, Kevin Scollin is just up the stairs!
Some of the most awesome and talented people I know, I met at the paper and it's a network of "family friends" and professional contacts I still call on today.
I was also a staff writer for Flint Area Newspapers.
What do you like most about your job? The creative process
What would people be surprised to know about you? The U.P. is a big part of who I am and will always hold a certain appeal. It's home.
Favorite TV commercial: The new Fruit of the Loom commercials.
What TV advertisements bug you the most? The ones for upcoming news programs.
Favorite radio station: 106.7 FM "The Fox"
What do you watch when you turn on the TV? Real Time with Bill Maher, Grey's Anatomy, House, Traveler, Coupling, Extras, and Everyone Loves Raymond
Likes: Our pond, animals, Tim Horton's coffee, cookies, decrepit ruins & cemeteries, the woods, the water, comfy clothes, country music, Oasis (those bratty Brits) and George Carlin
Dislikes: Animal cruelty, meat, pretentiousness and the right-wing anything
Favorite place: My grandparents' camp (cottage) in Gwinn, Michigan
Pets: All kinds but no snakes or bugs. Our three fire belly newts had about 20 babies, 6 of which remain and they all live together.
We also have three cats, three dogs, many fish, and one patchwork hairless rat named Oosie.
Subjects that interest you: British culture, Europe, interior design, travel, ancient history, space, science and the mysteries of life and death.
Favorite book: The Sandman, a comic book series by Neil Gaiman
Favorite author: Elizabeth Berg & Neil Gaiman.
Favorite movie: Grease
Favorite Director: Tim Burton
Places traveled: Favorites include Scotland, Northern California & The Haunted Mansion at Disney World.
Aspirations: To see more of the world
Things people associate with you: Me, behind this desk!
As you can see from the drawing Sean Bieri did of me back in 1996 (above), it's a pre-existing condition. So much changes and yet so much is the same!
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The Hip Hop Summit 2004 - The Fox Theatre
Thanks to the volunteer efforts of staff and students, the Specs Howard Booth at the Hip Hop Summit was hopping. While I was amazed by the number of people swarming about our booth, I was most impressed by the people working it. A heartfelt thank you to everyone! (Pictured above are previous Marketing Assistant Janay Armstrong, Video Instructor Calvin Walker, me, and Office Manager Christina Bradley-Storr.)
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Commercial Shoot at WDRQ (2001)
As WDRQ's Program Director, Alex Tear played a starring role in one of the school's television commercials. This picture of Specs Director Lisa Zahodne, Alex and I (right to left) was taken in his office during the shoot. Not only is Alex an old friend, he is one of the grads that Specs Howard School is most proud to recognize. Alex's office was adorned with platinum records, stand-ups and autographed pictures and posters. Most impressive: his never-ending candy collection. You should see the jawbreakers! Alex has since moved to KISS FM in Pittsburgh, PA.
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